News release

Saudi Aramco Chooses Compaq Enterprise Solutions & Services

Compaq ProLiant Servers Key to Simplicity, Manageability

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced that Saudi Aramco, headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, has selected industry-standard Compaq ProLiant servers to support its computing requirements.

The contract, which extends through November 2003, includes standardization to the Compaq ProLiant server platform, a supply of related accessories, as well as support from Compaq Global Services. From its global headquarters in Dhahran, Saudi Aramco manages virtually all of Saudi Arabia's enormous hydrocarbon enterprise and is the world's number one oil producer.

Saudi Aramco selected the Compaq solution following an evaluation of Compaq and other global providers, based on their quality and reliability. "The Compaq solution is expected to reduce many administrative functions which will save the company time, effort, and money. Furthermore, the ProLiant DL760 system offers complete flexibility, control, and most importantly, interoperability," said Mr. Hany Abu-Khadra, manager, Computer & Communication Systems Department, Saudi Aramco.

"We are pleased to extend our relationship with Saudi Aramco through this simplification of technology and ownership, and by helping them transfer the efficiencies to their own customers," said Peter Blackmore, executive vice president, Sales and Services for Compaq. "Our range of superior enterprise capabilities, technical leadership, and global services continue to be attractive to customers seeking stability, reliability and scalability in business-critical applications."

The ProLiant DL760 server's integrated management, administrative, and security capabilities will enable Saudi Aramco to proactively manage its entire network of servers regardless of application or location. Compaq was named the industry-standard server market leader both in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region and worldwide for unit shipments in industry-standard servers, according to IDC's Quarterly Server Tracker for Q3 2001.

Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, and desktop and portable personal computers that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.